A home health nurse is caring for a child who has Lyme disease.

Which of the following is an appropriate action for the nurse to take?

The correct answer is A. Beneficence. Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good for the patient and promoting their well-being.

The nurse is demonstrating beneficence by sitting with the client to provide comfort and support during a difficult time.

Choice B is wrong because fidelity is the ethical principle of keeping promises to the patient and being loyal and faithful.

The nurse is not making or keeping any promises to the client in this scenario.

Choice C is wrong because autonomy is the ethical principle of respecting the patient’s right to make their own decisions and choices.

The nurse is not interfering with the client’s autonomy in this scenario.

Choice D is wrong because veracity is the ethical principle of telling the truth to the patient and being honest and trustworthy.

The nurse is not lying or withholding information from the client in this scenario.

Choice A reason

Act as a spokesperson to provide information to the media in inappropriate. During a disaster, the nurse manager or designated hospital spokesperson usually handles communication with the media. The unit nurse's primary focus is on patient care and ensuring the safety and well-being of the clients on their unit.

Choice B reason

Recommending to the provider a list of clients for early discharge is the action that should be taken by the nurse. During a disaster, the responsibility of the unit nurse includes recommending to the healthcare provider a list of clients who may be considered for early discharge. This decision is based on the nurse's assessment of the clients' conditions and the need to create additional capacity for incoming patients who require urgent medical attention.

Choice C reason:

Determining the need for additional providers is inappropriate. The determination of the need for additional providers during a disaster is usually made at a higher level, such as by the nursing supervisor, nurse manager, or hospital administration. The unit nurse may collaborate with the nursing leadership to assess staffing needs and provide input, but the final decision is typically made at a higher level.

Choice D reason

Deciding which clients should be transported for a higher level of care is not the responsibility of the nurse. Decisions about transferring clients for a higher level of care during a disaster are usually made collaboratively among the healthcare team, including the healthcare providers and nursing leadership. The unit nurse may provide valuable input about the clients' conditions, but the decision is not solely the responsibility of the unit nurse.